Lafayette Maritime Accident Claims Attorneys
Maritime law protects seamen and other maritime workers, including many offshore oil workers. Where Workers’ Compensation laws shield other employers from lawsuits and provide very limited benefits to injured workers, the Jones Act gives maritime workers the opportunity to collect full compensation from negligent employers. To win a Jones Act claim, you need the help of experienced maritime law attorneys. Our Lafayette maritime accident attorneys have a proven track record of success in recovering substantial compensation for maritime accident victims.
The Jones Act
Under the Jones Act a vessel owner has a duty to maintain safe conditions, including keeping the vessel itself in a safe and seaworthy condition, keeping an adequate crew, and providing appropriate and safe tools.
You may have a Jones Act claim if your accident occurred on any of the following:
- Semi-submersible drilling rig
- Jack-up rig
- Inland barge
- Offshore oil platform service boat
- Drilling ship
- Tension leg platform
- Transport helicopter
- Dredger
- Supply, utility or crew boats
- Seismic vessel
- Construction barges
- Pipe/flowline vessel
- Derrick lay barge
- Pipelay barge
- Heavy lift vessel
- Jackup barge
- Diving support vessel
- Commercial fishing boat
- Offshore or inland tug
Jones Act Damages
If your employer’s negligence caused your injuries, you can receive compensation for economic and noneconomic damages including:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Disability, including past and permanent disability
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The spouse and dependent children of a worker who has died of maritime injuries can also recover damages under the Jones Act, including:
- Pain and suffering the victim suffered before death
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- The value of lost services
Maintenance and Cure
Under maritime law you are entitled to maintenance and cure without having to prove fault. Maintenance was originally room and board and today it can pay for your mortgage or rent, utilities, and food. Cure pays for your medical care and includes medical expenses and transportation for medical treatment.
You are entitled to maintenance and cure until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). That does not necessarily mean that you have recovered. It just means the doctors say you have recovered as much as you are going to, and you are not going to get any better.
If you have been injured in a maritime accident you need the help. The Lafayette maritime accident attorneys of Larry Curtis Law have extensive experience with maritime and offshore drilling accident cases. We understand what you and your family are going through, and we treat each client and family with care and compassion as we aggressively pursue maximum compensation. Please call us today at 800-836-2064 or contact us online right away.